Have you ever taken Holy Communion during a time of personal reflection? This sacred practice is not limited to church services. It can be done at any time to commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice, repentance, and rebirth. The fruit of the vine is a reminder of the blood of Jesus shed for the sins of the world, and the unleavened bread represents the sacrificial body of Jesus on a wooden cross. So take some time this week to meditate on these communion scriptures and prayers.
His body and blood, Matthew 26:26-30
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, and eat, this is my body.”” Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.” This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of this vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. ‘When they had finished singing the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. ”
Lord Jesus, thank you for the perfect sacrifice of your body and blood poured out for my sins. How precious it would be to be able to sit around the table and commune with you at the last supper. Yet you always invite me into your beautiful presence. Please be with me now and renew your heart with steadfast love and devotion. In your holy name, amen.
The true bread from heaven, John 6:32-33
“Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father who gave you the true bread from heaven; for the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
Father, thank you for giving me the true bread from heaven, brand new life through your Son. I am not receiving your sustenance today from earthly food, but from your presence. Thank you for meeting me where I am and once again offering your grace and mercy. My strength is in You, Lord, and I will walk in Your ways. In the name of Jesus, amen.
The Sustainer of Life, John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. He who eats this bread (who believes in me and receives me as his Savior) will live forever. And the bread that I give for the life of the world is my flesh (body)” (AMP).
Lord, I trust You to sustain me through all of this. Just as the Israelites ate manna in the desert, so I will eat the manna that You provide daily. Love, joy, peace and kindness are what I seek. I seek deeper love for the unloved, more joy in the midst of sorrow, and more peace in a world at war. Thank you for supporting me through the power of your words. I remember you, Jesus, and your holy sacrifice. Truly, you are the support of life. I give my heart to you again today. In your mighty name, amen.
Joy and faithfulness of heart, Acts 2:46-47
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with joy and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the blessings of all the people. And the Lord daily added to their number those who were being saved.”
Holy God, I praise You today for the joy of fellowship. Thank you to your friends and family for joining us in remembering you. Help me break out of complacency and spend more meaningful moments with my loved ones. This is an area of my life that needs renewal, and I ask you to help meet this need. Fill our hearts with joy as we gather together to break bread in faithfulness and truth. In your name, amen.
Participation in the Body, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving by which we give thanks a partaker of the blood of Christ? And the bread which we break is not a partaker of the body of Christ? For as there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all share that one bread.”
Lord Jesus, in churches all over the world, Holy Communion is seen as a sacred symbol of your precious body and blood. When the weather has passed, bless the cup of thanksgiving and the bread of remembrance in all the congregations. Brings rebirth to all mind, spirit, body and soul. Lord, unite us in faith. We share one bread, one Spirit, and one salvation. You are the reason we gather and today we worship You in Your beautiful name, Amen.
Seeking the good of others, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“You say, ‘I have the right to do anything,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything,’ but not everything is constructive. No one should pursue his own interests, but the interests of others.”
Father, as I take in the elements of Holy Communion, I first remember Jesus. He is the one who deserves it all. Praise the Lord’s holy name! As the blood of the Lamb renews me, extend your grace and mercy to those around me. I want to be more concerned about the needs of others than my own. Show me your presence in my life and show me how to be willing to serve others. Let them see the difference in me and hopefully spark a conversation that can lead to salvation. Thank you for giving me freedom in your Son. I am made whole because the Lord conquered sin and death on the cross. Today I receive Holy Communion in the name of the Lord and rejoice in Him. Amen.
One Spirit, One Body, 1 Corinthians 12:13-14
“For we have all been baptized with one Spirit to form one body, and have been given to drink of one Spirit, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; yet the body is not made up of one member, but of many members.”
Lord Jesus, when you were resurrected, you sent your Spirit to be with us and to dwell within us. Please gather us together as one body of believers. Eliminate the divisions that cause strife and unite us as one. Let your word be our guide as we walk in your light. When we differ, help us unite on the non-negotiable truths of who you are and what you have done. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You are Immanuel, God with us. You are a great counselor and God Almighty. Your life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith. So please fill us again with your Holy Spirit and renew us both individually and collectively. Together, we can reach many people with love and truth. Lead the way to capture the lost through the power of the Gospel. In your precious name, amen.
Additional resources about Holy Communion:
10 things to know about the Lord’s Supper and Holy Communion
3 things you didn’t know that Communion brought to your spiritual life
prayer before communion
Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
